My 2017 XL Regular Cab came with the "ultimate trailer tow camera package". I haven't had time to get completely through my manual yet. I was wondering what the front camera is intended for? I'm sure there is a logical reason, the only thing that comes to my mind is so you could see something (like a child) directly in front of the bumper, out of view from the cab??

 

It is great for parking lots. Just hit the button as you pull in. I use it all the time.

 

^^^^this. And peaking around the corner if needed.

 

It's one of the best features on my truck. I use it all the time as well.

 

I use mine mostly for parking. It's hard to judge how close you are to a small car when your hood is so high. And I hate to leave the back end of my truck hanging out in a parking lot.

 

Right, how CLOSE you are to something, I knew there would be a logical explanation.....Thanks!

 

Repeatedly pushing the camera button cycles through various camera angles, and those angles/views are based on whether in Drive or Reverse.

The front camera is also part of the 360 degree view (if you have that).

 

it is also great for hooking up your plow

 

How slow do you have to drive in order for the cameras to come on? I noticed the other day I was pulling into my parents driveway and I didn’t want to hit my moms car and a message popped up and didn’t allow me to have access to the cameras.

Id really like to have access to the truck bed camera when I have something back there while I’m driving. That would be a nice feature.

 

The camera goes dark when you reach 5 MPH.

The tailgate camera, bed camera, and (if equipped) trailer rear view camera all only work when in reverse gear.

It’s what happens when the lawyers get involved in design.

 

I can see where that would be fantastic! My Super duty is replacing a 15 year old vehicle, I have a lot to learn about the techno electrical stuff....

 

Aside from being useful in parking lots, which it obviously is, it's also a big help off road or on tight trails to spot a line without having to get out and look. Are we going to clear that rock/log/cactus? Here let me check... Very nice and useful and your passenger will probably appreciate it more than you do, especially when it gets nasty!

I too have an XL with the cameras. When ordering, I just wanted the Sync3 for the Android Auto, but to get it on XL you had to get the cameras too. I'll admit I had that stupid old man attitude of I've been driving trucks all my life I don't need no fancy schmancy cameras blah blah blah.... It's definitely one of my favorite features, and I feel that the overall utility and usefulness really adds to the value of the equipment when viewed purely from utilitarian point of view. To anyone considering if you want this feature or not, just make sure your ego and pride of being an "expert truck driver" doesn't get in the way of something that could help you get the job done better, safer, and faster.

Also, when out doing work with the others or kids, it really does add a huge amount of extra "safety factor." You never know when a co-worker will have a lapse in thought, or a kid/dog/goat will wander in front/back/too close to the tires in the short amount of time it takes you to close the tool box and hop in the driver's seat. If you're doing a lot of in and out work, it takes 2 seconds to double check the cameras and make sure everyone/everything is safe, even if you just checked with your eyes (and you should do both).

I'm actually astonished at the low uptake rate for the cameras on the "work truck" trims. Just one single incident where you don't smash a pole/pet/person could easily pay for the $750 option. If I had a fleet, it'd be a no brainer, and I'd train every single employee on how to use it properly. I guarantee it'd be a reduction in lost time and money for work incidents.

All that to say, you can use it for anything. These trucks are TALL and WIDE, and all the extra visibility you can get for safety and efficiency is a good thing. One word though on aftermarket grills/bumpers - if you want/need one, make sure to get one that won't unduly hinder the front camera.